Safeco Goes Foodie, a Michael Mina Update and More Food News

News broke earlier this week that Safeco Field is getting four new eateries come springtime backed by famous chefs from across the country.

Local chef Ethan Stowell will open two of them--Hamburg and Frites, and La Creperie. But I'm most excited to see what Roberto Santibanez has in store at his Flying Turtle Cantina. The Brooklyn-by-way-of-Austin Santibanez owns Fonda, a popular Mexican joint in Park Slope, and we can always use more good Mexican food around here (even if it is inside a ballpark). Also worth investigating: Apizza, which is an offshoot of chef Bill Pustari's Modern Apizza in New Haven, a destination-worthy pizzeria according to the Roadfood couple.

Also coming this spring: RN74, the stylish wine bar concept from Michael Mina. The restaurant will open in the Joshua Greene building at 4th and Pike in April, and they'll be hiring local talent to fill the kitchen.

According to Mina Group VP of Operations, Patric Yumul, "An integral part of our strategy when opening a restaurant is to draw from the pool of local talent where ever we can and combine their knowledge and expertise with our culture and vigor." It'll be interesting to see who ends up heading the kitchen.

Finally, Jon Rowley has added a third Walrus & Carpenter picnic this year, on Tuesday, February 15th. If you want to go, buy your tickets now; the midnight oyster and wine feast-on-the-beach always, always sells out.